The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-11
A WESTERN KICKING MATCH.
The Man Who Out-Kicked q Vicious and
Heavy Heeled Burro.
San francisco Alta.

San francisco Ala
In the early days of Dutch Flat. large
boned and gigantic Indianian known to this
rough but kindly associates as kicking Tom
He had won the nickname by reason OF the
terrific force with which he could launch his
great sinewy foot against an opposing OBJECT
He was, besides, 1.-the and sprlngy as a
panther In those days men were not very par
ticular about the character of their amusements,
although nothing mean underhand ever took
place among them. Their rough courtesy was
genuine and hearty and they were as brave as
Norman barons or Paladins of France They at
times had little regard for human life, but IN
their deadly affrays they took the hon and not
the hyena for their model. They admired cour-
age and strength, because these were qualities
which every day into requisition. and
without them there was neither peace nor safety
in the then lawleSs realm OF the gold-seekers
Among these pioneers of the wilderness
Kicking Tom had grown into universal popular
ity. He was generous, brave and kindly. and
what perhaps endeared him to his associates
more than anything else, he was always fore
most in the rough sports of the camp. he was
ever ready for fun and frolic, and it was matter
of supreme Indifference to him whether this took
the form of pleasant episodes or rough fighting.
He exemplifed the old adage that 1T is just as
good to fight as to eat" One day miner
brought into camp Mexican burro which soon
obtained a wide celebrity a vicious animal.
who, when excited, would attack man or beast
with desperate fury. Several mountain ponies
had been kicked to death by him. and more than
man had nearly lost his life by the savage
heels of the brute. So exciting had become the
record of the jacks achievements that they be-
inquiry among the miners Sitting IN their
cabins they spun wonderful tales of what he
had done and was capable of doing.
'.He is the livelieSt kicker IN the world, said
one
"You are right, old man. That beast can
kick the hair off a mans head without touching
the skim" replied of his companions
This was touching Tom in a tender place, and
after moments reflection he spoke up with the
remark
.He can't out-kick me-" The observation was
received by the group in amazed silence.
Lord, Toni Why. he'd make mince-meat of
you in a minute
Would her replied the athletic Indianian.
''Then he can have the chance. I'm ready to
kick for 800, and may the best man win"
'Or the best jack" laughingly interposed
Il mean what 1 say, old man, don't be too
spry with your tongue" And Toms brows
lowered in gathering anger. His friend apollo
gized for the jest and the crowd dispersed for
the night.
The next day the rumor went wild through
the camp that Tom willing to kick the burro
for wager. In the dusk of the evening the
miners gathered in from their work and dis
cussed the subject in ali its bearings. Opinion
as to the match was about evenly divided. If
anything, Tom was the favorite. Under these
circumstances a mill for 800 al side was easily
arranged between the beast and the man. and
it was decided that the conflict should come OFF
on the next Sunday afternoon.
Promptly at the appointed hour every inhabi-
tant of Dutch Flat was assembled in little
level just outside the limits of the camp. The
preliminaries were quickly arranged and the
fight began. The beast seemed to take in the
situation at a glance and laying back his ears he
watched his wary opponent with angry eyes.
Suddenly Tom leaped forward and landed
terrific kick squarely the junction Of the
neck end head. The brute reeled before the
force of the blow. but recovering on the instant
he wheeled and launched both heels at his an
tagonist. The man leaped aside, and quick
as lightning responded with another fearful
kick IN the burro's neck. And the conflict
ragged. Sometimes the jack would get in
age blow on his opponent, but oftener the man
had the best of il, and at last putting forth all
his wonderful strength he landed kick with
the fury and irresistible force of pie-driver
the jacks neck. which had been his objective
point from the beginning. The beast reeled
back and with a convusive culver fell over dead.
Tom was terribly bruised but bones were
broken, and in few days he was spry
The miners next day gave the jack regular
funeral. Amid all the pomp and circumstance
of the camp he was laid to rest underneath the
sod of the valley, and local poetthus canonized
his memory:
Lay his waxen hoofs together,
Fold back his long andspr eading ears,
For he has gone to blend his geehaw
With the music of the spheres.